MINUTES OF A MEETING OF BALCOMBE PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON MONDAY 14th JUNE 2010 AT 8 PM IN THE W I ROOM, VICTORY HALL, BALCOMBE.

 

Present:  Messrs. Robin Williamson, Simon Greenwood, Rodney Saunders, Neville Ashcroft, Mike Talman, Peter Huxley & Mesdames Alison Stevenson, Sarah Moore-Williams, Susan Barker-Danby & Carol Jarvest. 

In attendance: Richard Greig – Clerk to the Council. 

 

2580. Public Participation

Messrs. Ross Thomson, Sandy Chen, Edward Chinn, John Greetham, Steve Delpy & Tom Sanderson attended.  The Chairman also welcomed Cllr. Bill Acraman, our WSCC County Councillor. 

Mr Greetham spoke in respect of applications (BA)/10/01430/FUL & 01404/CON – Bretts, Haywards Heath Road.  He considered that the layout was inappropriate & the design unsympathetic.

Mr Delpy also spoke.  He referred to his representation to MSDC planners, kindly copied to the Council.  This included comment on the scale of the development, unsympathetic to the conservation area, the significant increase in the existing roof line resulting in overlooking of Brettsway & effect on outlook to the road.  Additionally the development would not be in keeping with the wider street scene which is mainly two storey cottages. He considered the proposed development will impact all the neighbouring properties in terms of amenities, especially Bretts. 

Mr Sanderson agreed.  Mr Thomson opined that the size of the development was far too big & little thought had been given in the design.  However Mr Chinn considered that the scheme offered an improvement to the present site. 

Mr Chen gave a model-illustrated presentation on the features of (BA)/10/01423/FUL & 01424/CON – The Coppice, Oldlands Avenue & commended the application for approval. 

 

2581. Declaration of personal or prejudicial interest

Mrs Jarvest declared a personal & prejudicial interest in respect of application (BA)/10/01423/FUL & 01424/CON.  All other Members declared a personal interest.  Mr Huxley declared a personal interest in respect of applications (BA)/10/01430/FUL & 01404/CON.  Mrs Barker-Danby declared a personal interest in respect of application (BA)/10/01567/FUL – agenda item 2585d). 

 

2582. Apologies for absence

Mr. Robin Lindsay-Stewart (unwell). 

 

2583. To approve Minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on 17th May 2010.

The minutes, having been circulated to all Members, were approved with one minor correction under 2566 & signed by the Chairman as a true record. 


 

 

2584. Matters Arising

2571 (2523) – the non presented school cheque had now been banked. 

2571 (2561) – the station flower beds had been revived, thanks to the efforts of Rob McIntyre & his team.  Agreed he should be thanked. 

2573 – speed limit changes.  Cllr. Acraman was asked to comment & gave Members an overview of his understanding of the present situation.  It was mentioned that High Street has reports of continuing speed problems.  In spite of present WSCC policy appearing to concentrate on key locations he recommended that we should nevertheless follow up on earlier implied promises from Neil Smith, with his successor George Chisenga so that this location could be re-considered. 

2578 – Cricket Club dog fouling.  We had passed on the advice received from the MSDC Ranger. 

 

2585   Financial

a). Cash Book Receipts & Payments for May 2010 noted as presented

b). Financial Update from the RFO.  Mrs Moore-Williams circulated the 2 month figures.  There were no problems to report & reserves at 31/05/10 indicated a figure of £32,245.03. 

c). to note change of insurance providers (saving £560 annually) - noted. 

d). to agree estimate from SMART for continuation of bollards on land adjoining Springfield Shaw at quoted price of £450.00.  After discussion & recommendation that the width between the bollards be reduced to 8ft Mr Talman proposed & Mrs Barker-Danby seconded the proposal that the quote be accepted.  The motion was carried with 7 Members in favour, 1 against & 1 abstention. 

e). to discuss funding request for 2010 Balcombe Fete.  There were varying views from Members whether support was necessary as, in the previous year, the accounts submitted indicated a cash surplus.  However it was thought that a Parish Council presence could be useful.  Proposed by the Chairman & seconded by Mr Talman it was unanimously agreed that we will

a). have a stall at the fete (cost £10), b). become a programme sponsor (cost £40), c). pay for rec hire (£152) & d). provide free use of the pavilion.  Total approx. cost of £200. 

 

2586   Reports from Local Societies, Facilities & Amenities, Young People, Housing & Environment & Traffic Working Groups + others where applicable

Local Societies – nothing to report. 

Facilities & Amenities - Mr Talman reported on continuing inconvenience, due to the intransigence of EDF & the inability of Southern to undertake certain work without EDF involvement. 


 

 

Hopefully the Newlands lamp will be connected up shortly, but EDF were still causing problems in arranging repair of a light adjoining the rec.  New shelving had now been installed in the pavilion store. 

A proposal for locations of the lights proposed for upgrading would be presented shortly – for possibly up to 12 lights. 

Young People – Mrs Jarvest mentioned that MSDC had now reached agreement for the toddler markings in the upper playground & that these should be affixed shortly.  The Clerk mentioned continuing complaints about locking the pavilion doors securely after use & possible misuse of items within the store room that must be secured at all times when the pavilion is in use.  This will be mentioned to the Youth Club leaders. 

Housing & Environment nothing to report.  The proposed MSDC Core Strategy Meeting had been cancelled at short notice. 

Traffic Working Group – Mr Saunders reported that at long last confirmation has been received concerning the results of the skid resistant test.  The test shows that the Rippleprint meets or exceeds the required minimum skid resistance value of 55.  Mrs Janet Knight was present during the testing on 2nd June and following the test results she has commented that she is satisfied with the results of the test.  She was also out on site in Balcombe to inspect the remedial work done by PRISMO and has also confirmed that she is happy with the remedial work.  She has requested Atkins to push for the Stage 3 Road Safety Audit (which is currently being arranged by Atkins) and following the approval of the Road Safety Audit from all parties, she is happy to issue the Completion Certificate. 

Dr Ashcroft is still experiencing delays in receiving meaningful assistance from Dambach & Atkins will press them to co-operate more fully. 

Members were updated on the situation relating to possible renting of the parking rights to the station car park by the Council, thus releasing users from statutory parking fees, possibly resulting in reduction of car parking in the close vicinity.  (The car park is managed by agents, Doherty Baines on behalf of Southern).  A meeting would not be permitted with Southern prior to an indication from us of the proposed annual rent for the car park.  With this in mind Members agreed that the Council is minded, subject to contract, to offer an annual rent in the region of £5,000, payable in advance, for the use of the car park.  This would be communicated to the agents. 

 

2587. Arrangements for Review of Parish Plan

            The Chairman highlighted pages 9,11,13 & 14 as sections of the current plan needing review reports from the Leaders of the relevant working groups & requested comments from each. 


 

 

2588. Planning. – to consider the following applications:-

a). For representation by 11TH June 2010

(BA)/10/01430/FUL & 01404/CON – Bretts, Haywards Heath Road – demolition of existing redundant petrol filling station & workshop.  Construction of two new semi detached dwellings. 

Mrs Stevenson presented plans of the proposed scheme to Members.  There were two main objections to the proposal, change of use & design.  As regards the former it appeared that the MSDC’s policy stating that application for conversion of a commercial property is not permitted without first testing the market for commercial premise had not been adhered to.  Our view should be that the present warehouse, a good sized, well built structure with a road side position offers considerable commercial potential.  We should continue our policy of opposing change of use of viable commercial premises & support potential for local businesses. 

Concerning the design of the proposed buildings it was agreed that our objections for refusal should be on the grounds of

·         Out of keeping with street scene

·         Out of keeping in a conservation area

·         Damage to the setting of the listed Bretts building

·         Loss of amenity space for the listed Bretts building

·         Lack of parking

Agreed by Members that the application should be “called in” & that via our District Councillor our strong views for refusal should be voiced. 

For representation by       18th June 2010

(BA)/10/01423/FUL & 01424/CON – The Coppice, Oldlands Avenue – demolition of existing single storey detached dwelling house & garage.  Erection of a two storey high detached dwelling house & a single storey high garage.  No objection to this well thought out & well documented proposal. 

b). to consider any additional applications received by the date of the meeting

For representation by 2nd July 2010

(BA)/10/01567/FUL – 1 Bramble Mead – proposed conservatory to side of property.  No objection. 

(BA)/10/01567/FUL – 10 Oldlands Avenue – Lime (T5) – reduce/reshape canopy by 50% & thin by 40%.  No objection. 

 

2589.  Post Office update

At the May meeting item 2571 (2556) mentioned that “although discussions with the Post Office authorities were continuing, running an outlet at the former Mill Lane Stores without economical weekly opening hours & guaranteed commission made the project less viable than originally planned.  Possibly pressure on the PO to increase hours might be achievable by representation to Consumer Direct.  Agreed that a letter should be drafted….”. 


 

The final text of a letter had now been agreed & circulated.  It would now be sent off, additionally copied to our MP, Francis Maude. 

 

2590.  Finger Post renovation

Mrs Stevenson had received no further news from the contractor, Marcus Slegg.  Mentioned that three locations had been identified for traffic management during carrying out of the work & that as this could cause problems with WSCC a solution would be to undertake this ourselves. 

 

2591.  BPC Representation at Balcombe Fete

Agreed we would participate – see 2585 d) above.  Mrs Stevenson would kindly co-ordinate arrangements with the assistance of a sub committee consisting of the Chairman, the Clerk, Mrs Moore-Williams + herself. 

 

2592. Correspondence

Other 7 - Cricket Club – Dog Fouling.  Agreed that there is no more we can do – also refer 2578 above. 

Other 10 - Bowling Club re stones on greens.  The PCSO has been advised as this is out of our remit. 

Other 12. - CPRE - E Tools. 

 

2593. Exchange of Information

Dr Ashcroft – the school open day will be held on 25th June.  Mr Greenwood will deputise for him at the forthcoming Neighbourhood Panel meeting. 

Mrs Stevenson – the recently donated rose from Wissous would be planted shortly in a suitable village location. 

 

 

There being no further business the Chairman closed the meeting at 22.15 hours. 

Signed………………………………………….

 

Date……………………………………………..

 

 

THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL WILL BE HELD ON MONDAY 19th JULY 2010 IN THE WI ROOM